Nature Deficit Disorder? I’m sure you’re thinking, “another crazy diagnosis…what will they come up with next?” Fortunately, this isn’t another disease that will make pharmaceutical companies rich and the cure is virtually free.
The term Nature Deficit Disorder was created by Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder
Effects of Nature Deficit Disorder
- The health our our planet is put in jeopardy. Due to the lack of connection with nature, kids will grow up with little respect for their surroundings, which greatly impacts the future of the Earth.
- Attention disorders and depression may develop. According to Louv, “kids who don’t get nature-time seem more prone to anxiety, depression, and attention disorders.”
- Decrease in overall grades. Louv’s studies show that outdoor classrooms produce higher grades in social studies, science, language, and math.
- Childhood obesity will increase. American children spend on average 44 hours a week with electronic media, such as TV, video games & the computer.
So how do you reverse the effects of Nature Deficit Disorder? Well, its quite simple really. Turn off the TV, computer, cell phone & video games and let your children’s imagination go wild. As parents, we have to make the commitment to provide opportunities for outdoor exploration at least 30-60 minutes every day. This could be as easy as walking out your door and letting them look under rocks, pick up sticks, and discovering all that nature has to offer. It’s amazing how long children can entertain themselves with a stick and their own imagination.
If you need some inspiration on how to get your kids active and exploring their surroundings, here are some helpful websites.
Children & Nature Network
National Wildlife Federation – The Green Hour
No Child Left Inside
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I strongly support Richard Louv’s Nature-Deficit Disorder theory. Parents are persuaded by the media to believe that child abductions are more prevalent today, when in fact, they have remained virtually the same for the past two decades. Furthermore, violent crimes against young people have fallen significantly since 1975. Bottom line, you have to decide how important your child’s social, emotional, and physical well being are. Let the children play.